?Chapter 271:<fnecb0> This text is hosted at find?novel</fnecb0>


    Trapped, Belinda was forced to listen to Cathy’s sugary voice as she methodically loosened each of Kristopher’s fingers from her arm. It seemed only a woman could truly understand another woman.


    She noticed Cathy was intentionally softening and enlivening her voice. The contrived, flirtatious tone made Belinda feel nauseated. Kristopher, however, seemed to savor it.


    A slight smile yed across his lips. “I have other matters to handle. All you need to do is be cooperative with your treatment. I’ll apany you to the storeter to try on the ring.”


    “Okay!” Cathy’s response was overly yful. “Then I’ll be waiting! It’s gettingte, so drive safely!”


    By this time, Belinda had managed to free four of Kristopher’s fingers from her arm, with just one remaining for herplete liberation.


    Unexpectedly, Kristopher’s focus wasn’t entirely on the call.


    “Okay, I understand.”


    While responding tenderly to Cathy, he released his grip momentarily, only to seize Belinda more forcefully.


    To prevent her from slipping away again, Kristopher pushed Belinda against the wall, effectively pinning her between his body and the hard surface.


    Belinda was caught off guard by the sudden aggression, her back pressed painfully against the wall. The unexpected difort made her involuntarily gasp. The stairwell was eerily quiet, and her faint exmation was unmistakably heard by Cathy over the phone.


    Instantly on high alert, Cathy’s voice tensed. “Kristopher, what was that sound? Is there a woman there?”


    “No,” Kristopher’s reply was quick, his cold gaze at Belinda carrying a clear warning.


    A chill ran through Belinda.


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    Kristopher had swallowed Cathy’s fabricated illness without question and had branded Belinda a liar after Cathy’s associates harassed Fred. Yet here she was, merely reacting to the pain from his forceful grip, and he was convinced she was trying to sabotage his rtionship with Cathy.


    How preposterous.


    “Really? No women?” Cathy still sounded unsure. “But I thought I heard…”


    Kristopher paused, his tone steady. “There are many stray cats around Peace Hospital, all quite plump, likely fed by the medical staff.”


    Cathy’s suspicions began to wane. “Right. I’ve heard from Dr. Reid that the nurses are fond of feeding the strays… Did you perhaps walk past and a cat meowed?”


    With feigned indifference, Kristopher replied, “I did pass by some stray cats and can’t recall if any of them meowed.”


    Now reassured, Cathy rxedpletely. She chuckled. “Look at you, such a grown man still getting distracted by roadside cats while walking at night. Just get back to the office and don’t stay outside toote.”


    With a hum, Kristopher ended the call.


    Back in the hospital room, Cathy set down the phone, and her smile disappeared instantly.


    Her other agent, Jessa Chadwick, leaned in, eager for an update. “How’s it going? Where did Mr. Cox go?”


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